Burgess is one of the most underrated talents in the history of soulful dance music.
He is recognized as the foremost practitoner of "boogie," the early 80s
club sound that mixed sublime vocals and post-disco rhythms for a sophisticated listening
experience. Because he tended to work with group projects under pseudonyms, his name isn't
well-known, but there is no doubt that the man is a legend.

Born
in NY, Burgess sang in church as a child. He formed the vocal group Black Ivory in
the early 70s. His time with Black Ivory would prove fruitful not only for the
experience of recording, but also for the relationship he formed with Patrick Adams, the
group's producer/arranger. Long after Black Ivory had drifted into obscurity, Adams
and Burgess would collaborate into the 80s, with Burgess contributing keyboard licks and
songs to Adams' productions. Among their most notable works together are Herbie
Mann's Supermann, Phreek ("Weekend"), and Venus Dodson ("Where Are
We Headed").

Burgess also formed a partnership with the Aleem brothers Tunde and Ra,
who briefly worked with Jimi Hendrix during the latter part of his life. Under the
name the Fantastic Aleems, Burgess lit up clubs with "Hooked On Your Love" A
more electro-influenced Aleem crafted the gems "Get Loose" and "Release
Yourself."

The peak of his career is generally believed to be the Logg album issued
in 1981. Working with old friends Sonny Davenport and Greg Carmichael, Logg
is expertly crafted from beginning to end. Each song became a favorite in the soul
community, but "You've Got That Something" and "Dancing Into the
Stars" were selected for single releases. He also contributed to songs by
Change ("You're My Number One"), TS Monk ("Fantasy") and Rick James
("Big Time").

It wasn't until 1983 that Burgess finally released a record under his
own name. Salsoul agreed to issue the double-sided single
"Heartbreaker"/"Stranger." The beneficiary of Shep Pettibone
mixes, the record is one of the most collectable in the Burgess canon.

After a period of low-profile activity brought about by a struggle with
alcohol addiction, Burgess has returned in a major way. "Sweet Thing,"
recorded with the Swedish outfit Slippery People re-introduced him to the market with his
skills intact. He is rumored to be featured on an upcoming album by Glenn
Underground.

Some of his most celebrated work was collected by Soul Brother for the Leroy
Burgess Anthology.

Anthology Volume
1: The Voice(Soul Brother, 2001)
After years of building demand, Burgess is finally given the respect he's long due on
compact disc. Covering his many guises, tracks include "Get Loose,"
"I Know You Will," and "You've Got That Something."